Rachael
Rachael is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Ewe or female sheep.
Origin and history
Rachael is a spelling variant of the biblical Hebrew name Rachel, which means ewe. It has been used in English-speaking regions for centuries, peaking in popularity during the late 20th century. Although less common today than the traditional Rachel spelling, it remains a recognized alternative in the United States.
Popularity in the United States
82,469 babies in the United States have been named Rachael since 1880. It ranks #434 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1815.
States where it is most popular
- CA (9.1 %)
- PA (6.5 %)
- NY (6.4 %)
- TX (6.1 %)
- OH (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 113 |
| 1890-1900 | 185 |
| 1900-1910 | 254 |
| 1910-1920 | 932 |
| 1920-1930 | 962 |
| 1930-1940 | 522 |
| 1940-1950 | 726 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,249 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,048 |
| 1970-1980 | 12,724 |
| 1980-1990 | 25,670 |
| 1990-2000 | 24,515 |
| 2000-2010 | 9,144 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,139 |
| 2020-2029 | 286 |
Famous people named Rachael
- Rachael Ray: Television Host, Celebrity Chef
- Rachael Leigh Cook: Actress, Model
- Rachael Yamagata: Singer, Songwriter
Nicknames
Rae, Ray, Rach
Fun facts
- Rachael includes an extra 'a' before the 'e', distinguishing it visually from the traditional biblical spelling Rachel.
- The spelling Rachael enjoyed significant usage in the U.S. during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s alongside its original form.